How To Store Linens [4 Easy Solutions]

See belwoLinens are an essential feature of any home. Towels, sheets, blankets, and more are items that are purchased and intended to withstand frequent use. That’s why it’s important to do everything possible to extend their lives. Properly storing your linens when they’re not in use is one of the best things you can do to protect them and ensure that they’ll stay fresh and clean. But how do you properly store linens? We’ve researched to help you know the best ways to store your linens.

Interior of white plastic cabinet with stacked piles of clean colorful linen on shelves, How to store linens 4 easy solutionsThere are many different ways to store linens. Finding the best method for you can be determined by the design of your home and apartment. Here are some of the most effective ways to preserve your linens when they are not in use:

  1. In a linen closet.
  2. Inside a trunk, but make sure that it is dark and dry.
  3. Under the bed in storage containers.
  4. Inside a fabric bag or a large pillowcase.

Knowing where to store linens is essential, but we realize there’s more to it than just location. You need to understand how to effectively protect your linens once they’re stored and how to prevent unforeseen issues from happening when they are stored. We’ve got these answers and more, so we invite you to keep reading to find out exactly how to get the most of your linens for as long as possible.


Storing Linens In A Linen Closet

The simplest and easiest way to store linens is in a linen closet. Organizing your closet by type of linens and specific shelves is a practical, straightforward way to put your linens away when they’re not in use. Placing your towels on one shelf, your bedding on another, and blankets on separate shelves make it easy for you to know where everything is and to grab what you need when you need it quickly.

If you have multiple linen closets, you can even more effectively store items. Store towels in bathroom linen closets, bedding in a hall linen closet, and blankets in various closets, for example. The more closets you have, the more options you have for organized storage.

Stack of towels in the closet in bathroom

How Do You Store Linens Without A Linen Closet?

But, what if your home or apartment doesn’t have one linen closet, let alone multiple ones? Storing your linens will become more of an issue. Thankfully, there are some relatively easy things you can do.


You can place your linens in a trunk. An essential requirement is that this trunk is dark and dry. An existing chest or a piece of furniture (like a storage bench or ottoman) that has built-in storage options are great solutions. Or you can buy new ones. Either way, a trunk or a piece of furniture allows you to store linens in plain sight.

Open trunk with sheets isolated included clipping path

Under the Bed

A second option is to store them underneath your bed. If you choose to use this strategy, just be sure to use a fabric-friendly container. The right type of container will prevent your sheets from yellowing. That’s why, though it may seem like the obvious choice, you shouldn’t use plastic containers.

Fabric Bag

Fabric bags or even pillowcases make excellent storage containers. Both of these items are great choices. They are easy to clean (helping to keep your linens fresh) and do a fantastic job of preventing yellowing and other issues.

Isolated shot of cotton drawstring bag on white background


How Do You Store Sheets In A Linen Closet?

If you are fortunate enough to have a linen closet, you have no doubt wondered about the most effective way to store sheets in it. Sheets can take up a lot of space — especially the fitted sheet. Folding a fitted sheet properly can help you increase storage space and keep things effectively organized. Rather than merely balling it up and throwing it in the closet, be sure that you fold it so that it winds up in an L shape that can then be folded into thirds. This will reduce the amount of room your sheet set(s) take up in your closet. Check out this video on YouTube if you need help folding your sheets. 

Labeling your shelves and storing sheets inside of their pillowcases can also help you best store your sheets. These techniques will simplify your life and help you stay organized.

Various household items in closet

Why Do My Stored Linens Smell?

Even when properly stored, you may notice that your linens smell. Why is this? There are a couple of explanations. The first is that your sheets, towels, or blankets may not be completely dry when you put them away. This can cause the musty, mildewy smell that you may notice when you get the clean linens out of storage. Make sure that everything is thoroughly dry before you store them.

The other reason for the smell may be due to a lack of ventilation. Stored linens in a closet do better on shelves with openings like wire shelves. This increases airflow. Cotton absorbs moisture from the air, and humid environments can cause your linens to smell. Make sure that you do everything you can to reduce the humidity in your home or apartment to prevent smelly linens, and be sure to promote sufficient airflow whenever possible.

How Do You Keep Bedding Fresh In Storage?

Along with storing your bedding on wire shelves in an environment where there is low humidity, you can also keep your bedding fresh while it’s in storage by taking a few additional simple steps. First, place a box of baking soda in your closet or in the area where the bedding is stored. Be sure to poke holes in the box to allow the baking soda to absorb and eliminate odors. Replace this every few months. You can also place scented dryer sheets between each piece of bedding. This will help to keep them smelling their best. Finally, you can use sachets or scented liners on your shelves or in your storage containers.

How Do I Keep My Linen Closet Smelling Fresh?

Keeping your linen closet smelling fresh is very similar to keeping your bedding clean. Baking soda boxes will help to eliminate odors and moisture. Scented candles, potpourri, or even aerosol sprays applied with frequency can keep your closet smelling fresh, too. Finally, making sure that you don’t have too many items crammed into the cabinet will help as well. Increased airflow will go a long way in keeping your closet fresh.

How Do You Store Towels In A Linen Closet?

Effectively storing towels in your linen closet is another way to keep things fresh and organized. When possible, you can fold your towels first into a rectangle and then into a square. Make sure that the sheets are folded well and stay folded when you place them in the closet. If you are limited on space, you can try rolling your towels. This will allow you to reduce the amount of space they take up and enable you to stack more of them on top of each other in a smaller area.

Different colored linen Closet

How Do You Declutter A Linen Closet?

Decluttering your linen closet may seem like an impossible task, but you can do it! Get rid of your old sheets and towels — the ones you love but that have holes, rips, are yellowed or have loose strings and threads. Limit the number of items you store in the closet. Only keep a few towels per member of your house and one or two sets of sheets per bed in your closet. If possible, utilize more than one cabinet. Finally, make sure that things are folded correctly and adequately labeled.

Crumpled linen and towels on a shelf of closet in complete mess, indoors close-up

How Does Marie Kondo Organize A Linen Closet?

If you are struggling with organizing and decluttering your linen closet, don’t lose hope. You can always consult organizational expert Marie Kondo! Her adherence to the principle of maximizing space has transformed storage. Linen closets are no different. By focusing on function, you can organize your closet appropriately. Rolling face cloths and towels can open space. Storing them upright, when possible, can also increase space. Finally, by grouping like items on the same shelves, you can significantly increase your level of organization.


This post is to help you find the right solution for storing your linens. While a linen closet is the most natural choice, it’s not always an option for everyone. We’ve tried to put together a variety of storage options so that you can pick the best method based on your needs. To learn more about protecting your accessories and how to care for them properly, check out some of our other blogs:

How To Store Blankets [5 Easy Methods]

How To Wash White Sheets [Inc. How Hotels Keep Sheets White!]

Leave a Reply